The Red Lion — Restaurant in Mid Sussex

‘It’s the little things that count’

Great little pub and landlords- just a shame that when I went there the ‘eye’ was off the ball. The table: I had booked for four was the worst in the pub being right next to the ‘Service’ door to the kitchen, which meant that conversations stopped whenever open, yet in 2 ½ hrs only 2 other tables were in use- one for a couple. The meal: First course 9/10 Main course 1/10: (Pie-8/10) ruined by the vegetables that had obviously been cooked with no salt or as little as made no difference, reminded me of military veg’ in the 50’s. Obviously, one does not expect an ‘Entremetier’ to be in a village pub, as found in top restaurants, but the cook/chef in such a place should be aware of the mechanics of salt in the boiling process. Salt raises the boiling point of water, which means the water boils hotter, and cooks the vegetables faster so retaining as much fibre, nutrients and colour as possible. The right amount of salt enhances the vegetables' flavor, so tasting better- -½ to 1 teaspoon per litre of water is a general guide. When I expressed my complaint to the waitress she responded professionally and told me that she would tell the cook. He never appeared despite the fact that the place was virtually empty. Because of the vegetable situation I looked for the salt and pepper condiments-usually placed on Western tables- there were none so got them from another table!! Of course, applying salt post boiling has little effect so had to eventually leave 90% Fortunately for my guests, there was ample sauce which they applied liberally to the vegetables making them an edible mush, not something I do- to make a...

Popped in for lunch and absolutely loved it. It is such an original English pub. It is an interesting building with little nooks and crannies. The furniture is squeezed in and there is no uniformity. They sell local beer (Harvey's) and there are 4 or 5 hand pumps at the bar, together with a barrel for a special beer of the moment.

We ordered Sausage and Mash and Chicken, Leek and Bacon Pie. The food filled the plate. Again, nothing pretentious but just good, fresh, food. The pie came with peas, cauliflower and carrots. All prepared and cooked in the kitchen - nothing factory sliced or frozen here.

The staff were friendly and there was a lot of banter with local regulars at the bar. A range of the day's papers were available and, next to us, an old man sat, reading a paper, eating his lunch with his dog at his feet.

This is a great example of an quintessential English pub. I hope it doesn't get too successful or it...

Second time lucky!

I decided to give this pub a second chance, and this time I had a lot better of a time. Service was normal instead of a long, long wait. The food was excellent, I cannot give the chef enough praise for his cooking skills as well as presentation on plate. All served withing a reasonable time as well.

The bar staff were friendly and were intersted in taking drink requests unlike last time. I can understand organising events or talking to mates is a part of pub life however the taps need to keep flowing to make profit and keep people happy.

I feel a third time is in order at some point to confirm my views on this pub, as for now I can recomend this as a good place to stop in to...